There’s been a lot of talk about the skilled trades lately—and for good reason. Across the country, employers are sounding the alarm: there simply aren’t enough electricians, HVAC techs, mechanics, or plumbers to meet the growing demand.
The labor shortage in the trades is very real. Over the next 8 to 10 years, it’s projected that we’ll face a deficit of over 100,000 skilled tradespeople—including plumbers. And this isn’t just a problem for employers or job seekers—it’s a problem that will impact nearly everyone.
You might be wondering, “How does that affect me?”
Unless you have the tools, training, and expertise to fix plumbing issues yourself (and no, a YouTube video doesn’t count), you’ll end up paying more and waiting longer for essential services. Fewer skilled professionals plus increased demand means only one thing: higher costs and longer delays. On the flip side, for those who can do the work, the opportunities are plentiful—and the wages are rising.
High Pay—Without the Student Debt
It’s not uncommon for experienced plumbers today to earn over $100,000 per year. That raises eyebrows. “How is that fair?” some people ask. “They didn’t go to college or rack up student loans!” The unspoken assumption: “They don’t even have to be smart.”
That’s a myth.
Becoming a licensed plumber requires years of hands-on experience, passing rigorous exams, and mastering a wide range of skills—including codes, safety standards, and yes, math. Geometry and basic math are essential parts of the job. Plumbing isn’t easy—and it’s not mindless. It’s a respected, technical trade that demands problem-solving, critical thinking, and professionalism.
More Than Toilets and Drains
Let’s clear up another common misconception: being a plumber is not just about fixing toilets or unclogging drains.
Plumbers work across several sectors—residential, commercial, and industrial. And within each sector, there are specialties: new construction, service, remodeling, and even design. For example, let’s take a look at just one role: the residential service plumber.
How to Start a Plumbing Career
There are a few different ways to get started, but the two most common paths are:
- Apprenticeship Programs
Many companies offer structured apprenticeship programs. These programs typically walk participants through each stage of learning: from basic introductions to water main installs, drain clearing, and water heater replacements, all the way to diagnosing and performing more advanced repairs. And yes—apprentices get paid while they learn. - Entry-Level Helper Positions
Some start as helpers, assisting licensed plumbers on service calls. This on-the-job training approach is fast-paced and immersive, exposing new workers to real-world diagnostics, repairs, and customer service right away.
Why This Matters to Everyone
We mentioned earlier that this labor shortage impacts more than just employers. Here’s how it hits home:
- Who wants to go without hot water for days while waiting on a water heater replacement?
- What happens when your toilet backs up—or your shower won’t drain?
- Imagine a gas leak or a burst pipe flooding your home—can you afford to wait 48 hours for a plumber?
In many states, only licensed plumbers are authorized to perform gas line repairs, install water heaters, or fix major leaks. And with fewer of them available, emergency repairs could mean longer wait times and higher bills.
Supply, Demand, and Real Costs
Let’s talk numbers.
Twenty-five years ago, a typical water heater installation might have cost $1,200 or less. Today, the same job will likely run you $2,500 to $3,000 or more. HVAC systems that used to cost under $8,000 are now regularly quoted at $15,000–$20,000. Sure, cheaper options exist—but they’ll often cost you more in energy bills over time.
“But I Don’t Want to Be a Tradesperson…”
That’s totally fine. Not everyone needs to enter the trades—but we can all do something to support them:
- Stop treating the trades as second-tier careers. At career fairs, we often hear things like, “Let me get your card—my daughter’s boyfriend isn’t college material.” Trades are not a fallback. They are essential, respected, and lucrative careers.
- Support vocational education. Are your local schools offering hands-on training in the trades? If not, ask why not.
- Encourage curiosity. If someone in your life—your kid, your niece; (yes, women are making amazing strides in the trades), your neighbor—is interested in plumbing, welding, or HVAC, don’t discourage them. Support their interest.
- Get educated. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. At BCTS, we’re happy to connect people with resources and contacts in markets across the country.
Let’s leave you with a timely quote from Mike Rowe (host of Dirty Jobs), who summed it up well:
“We’ve been telling kids for 15 years to code. ‘Learn to code,’ we said. Yeah, well, AI is coming for the coders. It’s not coming for the welders, the plumbers, the steamfitters, the pipefitters, or the electricians—because those industries face major labor shortages.”
So if you’re looking for a hands-on, high-paying, future-proof career—you might want to take a serious look at plumbing.
